“You are not Volk. I will show you a different level. Keep my belt clean,” Islam Makhachev confidently stated on X, showing that he’s ready to throw down with the new welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena. The Aussie had the best performance of his life, snatching the belt from Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 inside the Bell Centre Arena, Canada. That’s definitely one goal achieved, but that’s not all! He has already planted the seed for his next title defense, which is also with a purpose. 

‘JDM’ is not directly teammates with the current 145 lbs champion Alexander Volkanovski, but they share a great bond, mainly because they both hail from Australia. UFC 284 was the event where ‘The Great’ first faced adversity against the Dagestani juggernaut in Perth, so the newly crowned champion believes there’s a story to be told in avenging his fellow countryman’s defeat. That’s why he wants his first title defense to take place in Perth.

In the UFC 315 post-fight press conference, Della Maddalena said, “I think it makes sense, obviously, Volk and Islam fought in Perth. And that was a great fight, people think Volk, it was a very close fight, I think it makes sense, there’s a story there, and obviously, Perth blew the roof off. I think if we could do it with the hometown kid defending the belt, it’d be even better,”

The new welterweight champion facing Makhachev in Perth would be a total spectacle, especially if it happens on his home turf. However, there are several complications to overcome before that wish can become a reality. Still, he doesn’t need to worry too much, because Ian Machado Garry is more than ready to welcome him if things go south against the current 155-pound king.

Garry uploaded a video on X and, while reacting to Della Maddalena’s performance, stated, “You got the new champion. The Aussie! Great performance, but sloppy! The rumor is Islam Makhachev is moving up to 170 lbs. If he does, then all of us welterweights have to take a step back and give the man the respect he deserves. But, if negotiations don’t go so well, then you’ve got a tall, blonde, Irishman who is ready to take over the UFC and get that belt, and I will smoke Jack Della Maddalena. I’ll box his ears off him.”

The Irishman is always ready to step in when needed! He was the backup for UFC 315’s main event, so seeing him travel to Australia wouldn’t surprise many. His direct challenge to the current champion might just earn him a shot. However, Islam Makhachev’s team already has its eyes on Jack Della Maddalena, believing their fighter will prove to be a different beast altogether.

Javier Mendez doubts Jack Della Maddalena can handle a fighter like Islam Makhachev

Belal Muhammad is recognized as one of the craftiest grapplers in the UFC. But at the UFC 315 main event, Jack Della Maddalena defended six of the former champion’s nine takedown attempts and punished him with sharp boxing and vicious knees. It was the kind of performance that could make anyone think twice before stepping into the Octagon with the Aussie. Still, Islam Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, believes the current lightweight champion is more than formidable enough to take this challenger head-on.

Mendez, in a recent interview with Submission Radio said, “Islam’s a whole different animal than Jack’s ever been involved with. So, if that fight does materialize, we’re going to see a hell of a fight and you’re going to see Islam perform at an incredible level. We would dictate the fight based on how well he’s doing or not doing, and he can do it all.”

The AKA coach didn’t stop there. He also revealed a bit about the approach they plan to take against Della Maddalena: “So, can he take Jack down? Absolutely, he can take him down. Can he outstrike Jack? Absolutely, he could outstrike him. But is it wise to try to outstrike him like I feel we can? I don’t know, it may not be,” he added.

With that, it’s clear that Team Makhachev has already begun dissecting Jack Della Maddalena’s strengths and weaknesses in preparation for a potential clash. And considering the current lightweight champion’s well-rounded skill set, that only adds more intrigue to this possible showdown. So, what do you think—are we actually on the verge of witnessing this super matchup in Perth? Drop your thoughts in the comment box below!